The best source we can turn to is our Flagship organization ACA. See https://www.counseling.org/knowledge-center/faqs-licensure-policies#
Specifically, they answer questions as follows:
If I did not graduate from a CACREP-accredited program, can I still become licensed?
If you did not graduate from a CACREP accredited program, don't panic. Although there is movement in some states to require graduation from a CACREP accredited program, the majority of states do not currently require a CACREP degree for licensure. That will not change in the near future. ACA members can e-mail our professional standards department for the current set of requirements for any particular state at ethics@counseling.org.
If I am licensed but did not graduate from a CACREP accredited program, will I lose my license at some point in the future?
No. Once you have a license, no one will take it away from you as long as you remain in good standing.
It does not affect any of our programs for licensure, because Texas and most states are not bound to CACREP.
For more information on states approval, visit this link:
https://www.lamar.edu/lu-online/student-support-services-quick-links/states-approval.html
The answer to this can vary, but usually a state will accept CACREP, CORE or a degree from a regionally accredited university, which is the status of Lamar University. The majority of states require a graduate degree in counseling from a regionally accredited university or one that is accredited through a body recognized by CHEA and list the specific coursework that must be completed.
No. However, you can still get a full refund for Fall 2020 if you are in the CMHC program, and the request is before the Fall start date.
Yes, some universities accept up to 50% of your hours in a transfer. Depending on the university, it can be from 12 to 27 hours.
Only the Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health is impacted by CACREP’s decision.
There are two states to our knowledge that require a CACREP degree. Contacting Melaney Whiting is the best way to understand options for your state. Ms. Whiting can be reached by email at mwhiting@lamar.edu or by phone at 409-880-7640. In some cases, candidates who have contacted one of these states was told that exceptions can be made on a case-by-case basis.
The class is virtual, but the internship and practicum are considered field work courses and must be taken in person at a site. Whether or not you can conduct your hours virtually is left up to the site. Many sites have put in place telehealth protocols and are conducting counseling sessions virtually.
The Alliance for Professional Counselors is an organization that advocates for eligibility of licensure in counseling for a variety of programs rather than restriction for just CACREP endorsement.
With respect to insurance, they state:
In the case of counselor licensure, all states have historically accepted counseling degrees from regionally-accredited institutions, when curricular requirements are met. Only recently has the push begun to require CACREP program-level accreditation. However, this recent push has resulted in restrictions in employment in the Veterans Administration, participation in TRICARE, and eligibility to serve Medicare insurance.
Other insurance panels (e.g., BCBS, United Health) do not inquire about CACREP but rather focus on licensure.
No. The Board of Counselors does not accept experience in return for field work hours.
The program is not planning to change any components such as NCE or CPCE testing.
CACREP did not accommodate us regarding a grandfather clause. They were specific in the end date of December 2020.
This does not affect your ability to be licensed in Texas and many other states in any way.
Yes. LU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) which falls under CHEA. Please contact Ms. Whiting if you are an out-of-state student and she can guide you through the requirements in your respective state. Ms. Whiting can be reached by email at mwhiting@lamar.edu or by phone at 409-880-7640.
SACS Accreditations: https://www.sacscoc.org/
In the archives of news for ACA in 2014 it is stated that The National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) has announced that after January 1, 2022, individuals applying for the National Certified Counselor (NCC) credential must hold their degree from a CACREP accredited counselor education program.
The good news is that upon further research with the NBCC, they state that this decision will not affect current NCCs or counselors who become certified by December 31, 2021. Any individual certified prior to January 2022 can hold the certification as long as they continue to adhere to NBCC policies and procedures. Current NCCs will still be able to apply for specialty certifications.
Keep in mind that the NCC is a Certification, and not a License. States currently regard licensure as the only condition needed to practice counseling.